Dublin Airport submits planning application for new plane-spotting facility

Dublin Airport proposed observation facility. Pictures: Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport has submitted a planning application to create a new dedicated viewing area for the public to watch planes take off and land on the airport’s runways.

The proposed aircraft observation facility will be located on the site of the current informal airport viewing point on Old Airport Road, locally known as "The Mound", which is fully owned by Dublin Airport.

Dublin Airport says the new facility will 'provide a comfortable and safe space' for the community to view aircraft movements.

Dublin Airport says the new facility will "provide a comfortable and safe space" for the community to view aircraft movements, with a "clear view" of the south runway, and the cross-wind runway at the airport.

The facility will include a dedicated car park with 22 parking spaces, including two spaces for people with reduced mobility, and two dedicated family spaces, as well as bike parking, and an elevated covered platform with seating.

It will be fully-lit, with power provided by solar panels on site.

The facility will include a dedicated car park with 22 parking spaces. 

According to managing director of Dublin Airport, Gary McLean: "Aircraft observation facilities are a feature of airports around the world. 

"As well as providing a plane-spotting platform, the facilities also create an interface between the airport and the local community, helping aviation enthusiasts to engage with the airport by observing aircraft movements and airport operations. 

'It's a rite of passage for kids in Dublin to be taken to 'The Mound' to watch the planes landing and taking off at the airport.' 

"This location has been an informal 'plane-spotting' area over the past 40 years and we think it's time to put a more formal facility in place. 

"It's a rite of passage for kids in Dublin to be taken to 'The Mound' to watch the planes landing and taking off at the airport. 

"This new facility would make it safer and more enjoyable for users and we think it’s a facility that the local community will enjoy.”